Key facts
- Uber opposes a D.C. bill to regulate robotaxis, arguing it would displace human drivers and grant Waymo a monopoly.
- Uber has lobbied for a hybrid system where robotaxis operate alongside human drivers on ride-hailing networks.
- Waymo generally supports the D.C. bill, which includes testing requirements and fees that other AV developers like Tesla find objectionable.
- Tesla argues that testing miles accumulated in other jurisdictions should count towards the D.C. bill's mileage threshold.
- San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has called for stricter AV regulations following incidents of Waymo vehicles causing gridlock.
The debate over regulating autonomous vehicles is intensifying, with ride-hailing giant Uber and autonomous vehicle developer Waymo at odds over a proposed bill in Washington, D.C. Uber opposes the bill, arguing it would displace human drivers and grant Waymo a de facto monopoly. Instead, Uber has lobbied for a 'hybrid' approach that would integrate robotaxis into ride-hailing networks alongside human drivers, a proposal insiders believe has little chance of becoming law.
A D.C. Council hearing on the bill saw representatives from various companies, including Lyft and Tesla, alongside advocacy groups and government officials. Tesla's senior policy adviser, India Herdman, voiced objections shared by other AV developers regarding the bill's mandatory testing requirements, application fees, permit fees, and per-mile tax. Waymo, which has already met the proposed testing thresholds, stands to gain a significant head start if the bill passes as written.
In other mobility news, Uber is reportedly close to a $14.8 billion deal to acquire Delivery Hero's operations in nearly 100 markets, which would double its delivery footprint. Separately, Delivery Hero is selling its business in 14 markets to SSW Partners for $1.6 billion. Startups Self Inspection and Senra raised $10 million and $65 million, respectively. Indian fast-delivery company Zepto is seeking a lower valuation for its IPO.
Chip Motors unveiled a small EV with automated driving capabilities. The Los Angeles Police Department is reportedly ending its deal with surveillance company Flock Safety. Lucid Motors pushed back on bankruptcy rumors, with its stock recovering after an initial drop. Lyft CEO David Risher commented on Uber's services. Preliminary data suggests manual transmission vehicles are becoming rare. The NTSB stated a Tesla driver overrode FSD software in a crash. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has urged tougher AV rules after Waymo vehicles caused gridlock. SpaceX aborted a Starship rocket launch. Zoox issued a software recall for a robotaxi.